The numbers game in mountain bike frame design is a hard one to crack and to an extent, a bit like re-inventing the wheel, but even that challenge is a hot industry topic right now… But it seems that even in 2013, manufacturers are far more hesitant to re-design bikes and explore new geometry options than they are to produce bikes with multiple wheel size options. Spanish geometry aficionado’s Mondraker have gone back to the drawing board and have listened to arguably one of the most technically minded riders since his Nico Vouilloz and a designer with a rebel attitude to what’s considered the norm and re-invented the frame. We are of course talking about the legend that is Fabien Barel and Cesar Rojo, and their fondness for pushing boundaries with bike geometry and literally going where others dare not to tread…

Words: Olly Forster | Photos: Nathan Carvell

People are really talking about Mondtaker’s latest geometry design update – make the middle bit longer and the front end shorter and slacker. If it sounds daft to you, you probably wouldn’t want these bikes, but if it sounds good? Well, I think it’s fair to say experienced riders with the skills and knowledge to see the potential these bikes offer are getting rather excited… Including us!

Look at that stem! For me, this translates into a bike I’m really keen to swing my leg over and take to the trails. With 26″ being relegated further towards a fun riding bias, the ‘XR’ bikes from Mondraker could be the ultimate ticket for a fun day in the hills.

Maybe it’s because they’ve got a successful race team, maybe it’s because their UK distro have done a lot of hard work to get these bikes out there, but I’d say it’s mostly down to the fact these bikes are fast that because of that, are literally everywhere in the UK and definitely one of the most popular privateers race bikes out there. For 2013, the Summum is back and wilder than ever!

Just look at that headtube and soak in all the rad stuff your looking at. Internal cable and hose routing, adjustable headset ready, Renthal bar and of course the new ‘0mm’ stem design. Full moto!

Rocky Mountain – New Geo and Going Slopestylin’

Rocky Mountain are a brand with a strong connection to the freeride movement, to which in their native Canada was the movement’s birth place and to this day still defines which direction it takes next. So, offering a production Slopestyle specific bike was a logical one – this was next door at the Race Face booth so expect a slightly tamed down spec from what you see here.

Attention to detail is right there on RM’s Slopestyle frame including the all important downtube shifter mount that every slopestyler needs! As much as this bike and indeed RM’s competitors bikes have the ‘slopestyle’ moniker stickered all over them, these bikes are all about translating your idea of what mountain biking is and taking it to your local hill.

With three Slayers in the range for ’13, Rocky Mountain have once again delivered a trail ready AM machine perfect for the rider with the imagination to unlock this bikes true potential. Full Sram build and colour co-ordinated from one end to the other, this bike looks amazing!

The Flatline range is back again and includes three models starting with this beauty, the top of the line World Cup. Covered in everything you’ll need to get a successful race season under your belt and send the ‘booters’ at the week ends in between. Slacker head angle? There’s no geo specs as yet on RM’s site, but I’m certain they’ve made the Flatline slacker and maybe even lower, which I hope they have!

This is the bottom of the range Flatline and is aptly called the ‘Park’ and is exactly that; bike park ready. With a Rock Shox Kage shock in the rear, Domain’s up front and a mix of X5 components with Pro Taper bars and some choice bit from Race Face, this bike could well be the ticket to ride you’ve been looking for!

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